The phrase "Time to meditate," as crooned by Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the song "Hello My Baby," might well be the most exquisitely sung line in all recorded music. Tastefully produced by Paul Simon following the success ... more &raquoof Graceland, 1987's Shaka Zulu finds Ladysmith harmonizing as sweetly in English as they do in their native Zulu tongue (conveniently translated here). In addition to Christian and courting songs, Shaka's most interesting tunes provide glimpses into tribal culture. As Ladysmith observe in "Yibo Labo (These Are the Guys)": "There usually are problems with secret lovers / The elders never approve." --Richard Gehr&laquo less

Synopsis

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The phrase "Time to meditate," as crooned by Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the song "Hello My Baby," might well be the most exquisitely sung line in all recorded music. Tastefully produced by Paul Simon following the success of Graceland, 1987's Shaka Zulu finds Ladysmith harmonizing as sweetly in English as they do in their native Zulu tongue (conveniently translated here). In addition to Christian and courting songs, Shaka's most interesting tunes provide glimpses into tribal culture. As Ladysmith observe in "Yibo Labo (These Are the Guys)": "There usually are problems with secret lovers / The elders never approve." --Richard Gehr

CD Reviews

Sheer elegance and soul

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 06/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CD proves that elegance and soul can come together beautifully. LBM are a refined product of traditional South African choral singing, that provides the special flavor to modern SA popular music. This is a music radiating with love. It is puzzling how people who have been the object of so much hate and oppression produce music that is pure love. But then the same can be asked about soul music in America. There is no instrumental accompaniment here. The singers use occasional hand claps and foot stomping to add rhythmic intensity to the songs. Most songs are sang in Zulu, but English may be heard here and there. Although the music is very vibrant and moving, it is not dance music. It is a music to listen to and get immersed in, as it grows more beautiful each time. To me the songs never sound the same, and each offers a different feel and mood. An essential part of any music collection."

Amazing singing talent and fantastic harmonies

Patrick G. Varine | Georgetown, Delaware | 09/08/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Whether you know it or not, you're familiar with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. If you're a Paul Simon fan, you heard the South African male group on the haunting "Homeless" and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" from the "Graceland" album. If not, you know them as "The Lifesaver Commercial Guys." They sang about all the flavors in the TV commercial. "Shaka Zulu" was their first album available worldwide after being given global exposure by Paul Simon on the Graceland Tour, and it is unbelievable. Their harmony and intricate rhythms, kept in check by headman Joseph Shabalala is amazing, with such a wide range of voices, and the songs are just as good.The only problem I have with the album is that a lot of the songs sound the same and have the same basic structure. But I'm unable to fully appreciate the songs because I don't speak the language. I'm sure if I knew what they were saying, I would be able to enjoy the album on a higher level. Overall, however, this is a great album by a great group."

My Favorite Ladysmith Black Mambazo recording

Patrick G. Varine | 07/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After hearing the stirring 'Homeless' and 'Diamonds on the Souls of her shoes' featured on Paul Simon's album Graceland years ago I had to track down these guys. What a GREAT album. I have many of their CDs and this one has track after track of wonderful songs (Wawusho Kubani is one of my all time favorites). See them in concert if at all possible. Spike lee did a mini-documentary (Do it A Cappella) that featured LBM and other A Cappella bands. LBM and the Mint Juleps got together for the greatest version of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' that I've heard. A CD of the documentary is out as well - a must see/hear!"

One of those I take with me wherever I go

Lisa M. Ivory | Port St. Lucie, Florida United States | 06/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have put it in my cd case when I am working on the road, I've taken it into my massage therapy office to listen to while working on clients, I play it when cleaning around the house... this is one of my most favored, versitile cd's in my collection. I find it relaxing when I need to unwind, and uplifting when I am feeling sluggish. It certainly will not to appeal to all tastes. Not everyone enjoys acapella harmonies or listening to music that is not in ones own language, so I cannot make a blanket "thumbs up" for each taste. If you enjoyed the beginning of the song, "Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes" on Paul Simon's *Graceland* cd, you have a pretty good taste of what this cd offers (sans Paul Simon)... and even more so."

African Treat

Mr. Glen I. Dean | Australia | 06/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thought I would give Ladysmith a try based on the good reviews it received here and was not dissapointed. The tracks are very rythmic and uplifting. The recording is very good."